DISTRICT 6060 GOVERNOR APPLAUDS JACKSON ROTARY

While Rotary International District 6060 Governor Tom Gooch noted that the Jackson Rotary Club is one of 68 pieces of a puzzle that makes the district strong and cohesive, he also lauded the Jackson club's individual accomplishments.

Gooch, who spoke to the club at its weekly meeting Tuesday at the Route 25 Hall, noted that the Jackson club donated $75 per capita to the Rotary International Foundation this year -- about twice what the average Missouri club gave. That helped the three Missouri districts top Gooch's goal of $150,000 total giving, with a mark of $153,000.

Gooch and his wife June also accepted more than 300 books from the club and Junior Rotarian Stacy DeClue. DeClue, daughter of Larry and Judy DeClue, explained that the books were collected to be sent to a village in Africa.

Gooch, a retired law enforcement professional, called Rotary International "a big family of 1.2 million people" who, combined, has the ability to make positive changes."The great heart of Rotary beats because we care," he said.

He also presented President Chris Weiss with a banner, in recognition of the club being among the top three contributors in District 6060 during the 1998-99 year.

He also discussed the Council of Legislation, the group which meets every three years to look at Rotary International rule changes. Two people from the district have been nominated for a position on the panel.

He also described a group exchange to be held in April. A group of Rotarians and others will go to England to work and observe. Likewise, a group from England will come to the U.S. for four weeks.

Gooch gave Weiss part of a Rotary wheel -- one of 68 pieces."Every club is important," he said. "It might function without one of the pieces, but it would not be operating at 100 percent capacity if every club was not involved."